52 Things to Do When Camping the Whole Family Will Love

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Getting away with your family for the
weekend on a camping trip is priceless. You get to spend quality time together
without the interference of daily life at home. It’s your break away from work
and school. And there’s lots you can do to get the most out of your camping
trip!

Here’s our list of 52 things to do when
camping with family. Fun in the sun or when it’s raining…there’s always
something fun and exciting to do.

Sporting Games and Outdoor Adventures

Pack a variety of balls and other sporting
equipment in with your camping gear. All that outdoor space is a great
opportunity for everyone to be active.

1. Hiking

Walking and hiking is probably at the top
of everyone’s list of camping fun. And you don’t need any equipment to do it.
Pack along a picnic lunch and start walking, enjoying nature and the views
around you.

2. Biking

Bring the family bikes on the trip. Even if
you’re just biking around the campground, it’s a great way to explore the area.
If you’re more adventurous, bike along the trails. Don’t forget the helmets!

3. Soccer, kickball, and football

Kids of all ages can kick or toss around a
ball. Find some nearby green space and start a game with fellow campers.

4. Baseball

Another easy to play sporting game. If you
have younger kids, buy plastic bats and balls.

5. Frisbee

The classic fun of tossing around the
frisbee never grows old. Bring along more than one and get a round of frisbee
going.

6. Lawn bowling

Easy to buy and fun to play for all ages.
Set up a game of lawn bowling. Or make your own with water-filled plastic
bottles.

7. Ring toss

You’ll find a game of ring toss available in
many toy or sporting stores. Or buy online.

8. Play in the rain

Even the best planned camping trips run
into rain. Never leave home without your rain gear! When it starts to rain…no
need to pack up and head home. Put on the rain gear and get out and play in the
rain until it stops. Listen to the rain as it falls through the leaves…and kids
love stomping in puddles.

9. Make new friends

Introduce yourself to other campers and
make new friends. It can be fun to sit around the campfire as a larger group
and talk about where you’re from.

Night Time Fun

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t
have to end. There’s lots to do under the stars.

10. Tell campfire stories

There’s something magical about sitting
around a glowing campfire and telling stories. Or just talking!

11. Take a night walk

Grab the flashlights and take a walk in the
dark. Things look and sound different at night…stop, turn off the flashlights,
and listen for little night creatures moving around in the dark.

12. Night time hide and seek

Grab the flashlights and play hide and seek
in the dark.

13. Swim by moonlight

Swimming under the stars or by moonlight is
peaceful and calm…sounds seem to echo more off the water…you’ll be able to hear
fish jump.

14. Light up the night

Once the sun goes down hang fairy,
Christmas, or colorful LED lights around your campsite. Or hang glow sticks. It’s
a nice way to light up the night.

15. Dance party

Once you have the fairy lights glowing,
have a dance party. Turn on some music and dance, being mindful of your
neighboring campers!

16. Colored fire

Pick up some fire crystals or sticks at the
sporting store or online. Just toss a stick into the fire and watch as the
flames change color – purple, green, and blue.

17. Play music

Bring along the musical instruments and
play – guitars, harmonicas – even a flute if someone plays!

18. Tell ghost stories

Everyone loves a good ghost story and a
little fright. Not recommended for the little ones. Unless you’re prepared to
stay up all night.

19. S’mores and snacks

At the end of a great day outside, it’s
time for campfire snacks. S’mores are a camping staple. Or try something
different. Pop some popcorn, roast marshmallows, or try a new camping recipe.

Water Play

If you’re camping near water, there are
some great activities for water play. The beach, a lake, a river or stream –
put on the bathing suits and be prepared to get wet.

20. Sand castles

Beaches are a great place to enjoy a warm,
sunny day – perfect for younger children. Pack up the buckets and shovels and
build a city of sand castles.

21. Beach volleyball

Many beaches have a net set up for volley
ball. Bring your own ball and start a game with other campers. No net? Play
beach volleyball anyway by drawing a line in the sand.

22. Swimming and water toys

Everyone loves splashing in the water and
taking a swim. If you have little ones, don’t forget the water toys.

23. Fishing

Take advantage of camping near rivers and
streams and go fishing. Kids of all ages can join in – and you don’t need to
buy too much fishing gear to get you started. Don’t forget to bring your
fishing license and know how many fish you’re allowed to catch!

24. Water balloons

Remember those water balloon fights you had
as a child? Share the fun with your family when you’re camping. Fill balloons
with water and see who stays dry! Even if your campsite is nowhere near water,
you can still enjoy this activity.

25. Water squirt guns

Another water activity no matter where your
campsite is. This is great fun for younger kids on a hot day.

26. Wading pool

For the little ones…pack along an
inflatable pool and fill with water. Let your kids play with water toys while
you relax in the sun and supervise.

Explore the World Around You

One of the best things about camping is
being out in nature. There are so many places to explore and things to learn
about.

27. Bird watching

Take the time to watch the birds, you’ll be
surprised how many different types you’ll see. Buy a bird watching book so you
know what species are in the area where you’re camping.

28. Critter watching

It’s also fun to watch for wildlife – just
be cautious and safe, and don’t approach any wild animals. Chipmunks and
squirrels are always fun to watch as they scurry around your campsite.

29. Nature hunt

This is a fun thing to do with younger
kids. As you walk or hike, have them gather items they find – pine cones,
rocks, leaves, and twigs. Leave the flowers unpicked!

30. Scavenger hunt

You’ll want to prepare this at home before
your camping trip. Make cards for everyone in the family with a list of things
to find and see. Birds, animals, round rocks, or a ladybug. Once you find an item,
mark it off the list. Put a time limit on the hunt and see who can find the
most items on the list in that time.

Family Games

Pull out the games and play around the
campfire or picnic table, or in the tent.

31. A simple pack of cards

All you need is a pack or two of cards to play numerous games. And cards don’t take up any room in your camping gear. Play games that are age appropriate. Go Fish and Old Maid for younger kids. Gin Rummy, Hearts, and Cribbage with the older ones.

32. Card games

There are many themed card games you can
buy…and they still won’t take up a lot of room. Some favorites that everyone
knows how to play include Rook, Uno and Phase 10.

33. Board games

Board games are fun to play on the picnic
table or in the tent – and there are games available for all ages. Candyland and
Trouble are good choices for the younger crowd. For older kids anything goes.
Be ambitious and start a game of Monopoly!
Keep the small pieces in a zippered plastic bag so they don’t get lost.

34. Bingo

Bingo is another easy to game to play…and
you can take it to the woods. Make or buy bingo cards that are camping themed.
As you spot a bird or find a pine cone, cross it off your bingo card.

35. Tic-Tac-Toe

This may be an old classic, but still
entertains. You can play this game with pencil and paper or in the dirt or
sand.

36. Charades

Everyone loves a game of charades…and you
can play anywhere. Have a theme to the game, such as film and television.

37. Silly games

Like charades, there are other fun and
silly games to play as a family – Red Rover, Stoplight, Tag, and 20 Questions.

38. Impromptu contests

Announce an impromptu challenge. Not only
will it be fun for your kids, it gets them involved with camping chores. See
who can gather the most firewood. Who can get dressed and ready for the day the
fastest?

Tent Activities

Whether it rains or not, there are times
you’ll spend in the tent. And there’s lots to do as a family or each on your
own.

39. Story time

Telling stories isn’t just for when you’re
sitting around the campfire. Tell stories at night before it’s time to sleep.
Older kids will enjoy a good ghost story. For younger kids, a silly story is
sure to amuse.

40. Talk about the day

With everyone in the tent, it’s a great
time to talk about what you did and saw that day…sharing experiences about your
day in the outdoors.

41. Games

Bring the games into the tent…along with
the popcorn!

42. Shadow puppets

By the light of a lamp or flashlights, make
shadow puppets on the wall of the tent. Not sure how to make interesting
animals and shapes? Buy a book that shows you how to make intricate animals
with your hands so you can entertain your family with your skill.

43. Electronic time

It can be difficult to separate older kids
from their phones and electronic devices. Compromise and give them some time in
the tent to play a game or watch a movie.

44. Crafting

Rain keeping you inside the tent? This is a
good time to pull out the craft box. Kids of all ages can draw, color, and make
crazy art with odds and ends in a craft box.

Campground Amenities

Many campgrounds have amenities for
recreation. Although this isn’t rustic camping, it’s a great way to spend the
weekend camping with your family.

45. Playground

Swings, slides, and more…these are ideal
for younger kids. It’s a safe place to play and helps them burn off some
energy.

46. Swimming pool

Many campgrounds have an outdoor heated
pool. These can be a life saver on cooler days when the kids are starting to
get bored.

47. Water slides

Slipping down the slides is a fun way to
spend the afternoon. Some campgrounds are built around water slides and are the
main focus of the site.

48. Mini golf

Some campgrounds have a small game of mini
golf. Challenge your family to a game…and even the youngest in your family can
play.

49. Boating

Don’t own your own canoe, kayak, or boat?
Look for campgrounds that rent…it’s a great way to enjoy being out on the water
without owning your own watercraft.

Relax and Enjoy

Going camping doesn’t mean you need to be
busy all the time. Take the time to relax and enjoy the world around you. After
all, this is your time away from the hectic pace of life at home.

50. Hammocks

Bring along a hammock or two and tie it up
between two trees. Then lie back and swing in the breeze. This can be a nice
time to curl up in the hammock and talk with your child.

51. Reading time

Camping is a great time to get caught up on
your reading. And a good way to encourage your kids to leave their phone and
electronic games at home. If you have younger kids bring along a few books to
read to them.

52. Search for the stars

Away from the bright lights of the city,
the stars are bright and shining. You’ll be able to see stars that you might
not see at home. Bring along a book on astronomy and see if you can find the
Big Dipper and the North Star.

Make your next camping trip even more fun than ever with our list of 52 things to do when camping with family. With all of these fun things to do it’s going to be impossible for anyone to be bored!

52 Things to Do When Camping the Whole Family Will Love was last modified: January 24th, 2019 by Family Tent Life

Welcome!

Hi there! We are Jeff and Sarah, and along with our two boys, we love to get outside and explore. Camping with small children can be a challenge, so we’ll help you find some ways to make your adventure a bit easier. Thanks for visiting!

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